Rev. Richard Hong, Designated Pastor
rich@englewoodpres.org
Rich Hong was called to serve as Designated Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood as of April 1, 2007 after serving two years as Stated Supply. Rich received the Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in NYC, and did his undergraduate work at Princeton University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Rich has served the Presbyterian Church in a variety of capacities, including a term as moderator of Palisades Presbytery. Rich is concurrently serving as the organizing pastor of the Church at the Crossroads (www.njcrossroads.org), a new church development project that worships here on Sunday evenings. Crossroads is a ministry focused on reaching persons who have been turned off or turned away from traditional church settings.

Prior to entering ministry, Rich was a software consultant, writing programs for research scientists in the pharmaceutical industry. He grew up in Chicago (a lifelong Cubs fan) , though he has lived in New Jersey ever since college. Rich particularly enjoys teaching, having taught Presbyterian history, worship, and polity at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He often lectures on contemporary worship techniques, especially the use of multimedia.

Rich’s dream for First Presbyterian Church is that it will continue its growth as a multicultural and intergenerational congregation. He has a passion for evangelism and mission, and believes all congregations should be outward-focused and driven to be the hands and feet of Jesus by serving others.

Dorothy VanderWerf, Activities Director
dorothyv@englewoodpres.org
Dorothy VanderWerf, Activities Director since 1995, lives in Glen Rock, NJ. She is a graduate of Hope College, Holland, Michigan with a degree in Education. Dorothy worked as Minister for Parish Life at Community Church, Glen Rock, for 22 years.

At First Church she directs the Youth Program, provides Staff services for the Deacons, the Mission, Outreach, Christian Education, and Stewardship Committees. Dorothy represents the church on the Adolescent Coalition for the Bergen Family Center.

Other interests are her work with Church World Service/CROP Walks in Bergen County, Christian Education in the Presbytery of the Palisades, serves on the Congregation Support and Resource Unit and is a POINT person (Presbyterians Organized in Nurturing and Teaching) for the Presbytery. She is a Board Member of Glen Courts, Senior Housing in Glen Rock since 1983.

Dorothy is an advocate for the 4 H’s, as she calls it: Habitat, Hunger, Homelessness and Heifer. Dorothy enjoys reading, walking, visiting with family and friends. She has three sons, two daughter-in-laws and four grandchildren. She and her late husband, Nate, have always been involved in ecumenical causes.

David Macfarlane, Director of Music
music@englewoodpres.org
Our Organist and Choirmaster since 2002, Dr. David Macfarlane is a native of Chicago. He attended the University of Illinois and University of Hartford and earned his Doctorate at Rutgers University.

Prior to coming to First Presbyterian Church, David was the Director of Music at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Manhattan for ten years. During the time he established the Musica Trinitatis Concert Series and oversaw the installation of the church's new Letourneau tracker pipe organ.

David is active in the American Guild of Organists and currently serves on the National Council as Councilor for Region II. He holds the Associate Certificate of the AGO, and was a finalist in the National Competition in Organ Improvisation held at the national convention in 2002.

In addition to playing many recitals, Dr. Macfarlane teaches privately and serves as organist for Temple Beth El in Spring Valley, NY.

Daniele DeLaurentis and Diane Lyons, office staff
office@englewoodpres.org